Federal Register #FAA20263866

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directives for Bell 505 Helicopters and Boeing 737 Series Airplanes

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing new airworthiness directives (ADs) for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters and Boeing Company Model 737 series airplanes. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service - OEMs and Vendors: - Bell Textron Canada Limited (primary OEM for Model 505 helicopters) - The Boeing Company (primary OEM for Model 737 series airplanes) - Transport Canada (aviation authority, not a commercial OEM) - Products/Services Requested: - For Bell 505 helicopters: - One-time visual inspection of the tail rotor pitch link assembly washer (part number 206010795105) - Corrective actions as needed, including reassembly or replacement of the pitch link assembly, tail rotor pitch horn, packings, and conical washer - Estimated quantity: 10 helicopters affected - For Boeing 737 series airplanes: - Expanded inspections of fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward galley door for cracks (no specific part numbers or quantities provided) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with Transport Canada AD CF202534 for Bell 505 helicopters - The directive aims to prevent pitch horn stud fracture and loss of directional control (Bell 505) - No special flight permits allowed for affected Bell 505 helicopters - For Boeing 737, the inspection area is expanded and includes on-condition actions for detected cracks - Period of Performance: - Compliance times for inspections and modifications are generally within 12 to 48 months after the effective date, as specified in the referenced directives - Locations: - FAA offices in Westbury, NY and Fort Worth, TX - Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification in Nepean, Ontario, Canada

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters due to a quality escape involving the incorrect installation of a washer on the tail rotor pitch link assembly. The AD requires a one-time visual inspection to verify proper washer installation and mandates corrective actions based on inspection results. This action aims to prevent potential fracture of the pitch horn stud and loss of directional control of the helicopter, addressing an unsafe condition.

View original listing